Best Soul Food Restaurant

Readers' Pick

Tools

First Place: Croaker's Spot

1020 Hull St.
269-0464
croakersspot.com

Second Place: Mama J's

Third Place: Comfort

With two locations now, Croaker's Spot has a winning take on soul food. From the most-ordered Eggleston's fried fish boat to the huge, fried seafood platter, you can count on fast service, robust flavors and a square of the best cornbread in town. On Wednesdays you can even count on soul karaoke while you enjoy your soul food. Jackson Ward's Mama J's may have earned a lot of votes, but it seems to be a best-kept secret for many. The food coming out of the kitchen might as well be what your grandmother makes, if your grandmother still cooked. Smothered pork chops, fried chicken or catfish — this is true soul food served with a muffin and your choice of sides (try Mama's seafood salad) for a meal that'll leave you stuffed but happy. And leave room for one of Mama's sister's cakes, the reason many diners drop in after church. Comfort continues to soulfully woo diners downtown with a meat and two sides in a space that feels as welcoming as the food on the plate.

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